Electric utility terrain vehicle

ABSTRACT

A utility task vehicle (UTV) includes a frame having frame rails and a battery assembly positioned laterally between the frame rails. The battery assembly includes a battery housing and a battery array having a plurality of battery cells. The battery array is positioned within the battery housing and the battery assembly provides support for or is located under a floor of a cabin of the utility task vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/268,249 filed Sep. 16, 2016, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2017-03281 entitled “ELECTRIC UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE.” U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/268,249 claims priority to and the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/333,722 filed May 9, 2016 entitled“SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR A UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE.” Thedisclosures of all the foregoing applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties, including but not limited to thoseportions that specifically appear hereinafter, but except for anysubject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent thatthe incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosureherein, in which case the language in this disclosure shall control.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for autility terrain vehicle or a side-by-side automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the disclosure aredescribed with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified. The features and advantages of thedisclosure will become apparent from consideration of the descriptionand accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a UTV, side-by-side automobilemade in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a UTV, side-by-side automobilemade in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a UTV, side-by-sideautomobile made in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of a UTV, side-by-side automobilemade in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a UTV, side-by-sideautomobile made in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a UTV, side-by-sideautomobile made in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a UTV,side-by-side automobile made in accordance with the teachings andprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view an embodiment of a skid plate and batteryarray compartment of a UTV, side-by-side automobile made in accordancewith the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of a skid plate andbattery array compartment of a UTV, side-by-side automobile made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery array unit illustrating a busbar in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a close-up plan view of a bus bar in accordance with theteachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 a perspective view of a battery assembly with a battery box lidremoved in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the batteryassembly in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a motor gearbox assembly in accordancewith the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a motor gearbox assembly showinginternal gears in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram illustrating example components ofa UTV in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram depicting an example computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for autility terrain vehicle or a utility task vehicle (UTV). UTVs generallyinclude vehicles in which a user and/or a passenger ride in a sittingposition on a chair or seat and that is used for utility, off-road, orother purposes. The term UTV as used herein is given to include vehiclesknown as side-by-sides, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs),multipurpose off-highway utility vehicle (MOHUVs), and the like. UTVsmay be considered more comfortable for riding than all-terrain vehicles(ATVs), such as four wheelers, due to their seated position. AlthoughUTVs are generally smaller than road or highway vehicles they often haveincreased passenger or payload capacity over ATVs while maintaining alower weight and/or lower center of gravity than highway vehicles.

Applicant has developed, and herein discloses, systems, methods anddevices for an electric UTV. Specifically, Applicant has recognized aneed for and developed systems, methods, and devices for an electricUTV. In one embodiment, the UTV includes a frame and a battery assembly.The frame includes two or more frame rails and the battery assembly ispositioned laterally between the frame rails. The battery assemblyincludes a battery housing and a battery array that includes a pluralityof battery cells. The battery array is positioned within the batteryhousing. In one embodiment, the battery assembly provides structuralsupport for a floor of a cabin of the utility task vehicle. In oneembodiment, the battery assembly is located under a floor of a cabin ofthe utility task vehicle.

The battery assembly located laterally with the frame or frame rails mayallow for a larger battery and a lower center of gravity for the UTV.For example, the battery assembly may be positioned horizontally betweenone or more frame rails and thereby be positioned below a cabin, such asbelow the feet of a passenger of the UTV. The area between the framerails and/or below the cabin may provide a volume for a large batteryarray to improve power output, performance, and time between recharges.In one embodiment, the battery assembly provides an output voltage of400 volts to improve performance.

According to one embodiment, a UTV includes a motor gearbox assembly.The motor gearbox assembly includes a housing, a first motor, a secondmotor, a first gearbox, and a second gearbox. The first gearbox isconfigured to receive input from the first motor and provide output to afirst output corresponding to a first wheel. The second gearbox isconfigured to receive input from the second motor and provide output toa second output corresponding to a second wheel. The first motor, secondmotor, first gearbox, and second gearbox are housed within the housing.In one embodiment, the motor gearbox assembly includes a cooling loop orcooling system that is common to and used to cool the first and secondmotors and first and second gearboxes. The positioning of the pluralityof motors and gearboxes with independent outputs reduces the spacerequirements for the motors and gearboxes while also allowing the motorsand gearboxes to be commonly cooled. The reduced size and complexityalso allows for greater room for suspension so that higher qualitysuspension with increased travel is possible.

In the following description of the disclosure, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosuremay be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may beutilized and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the disclosure.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to theparticular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed hereinas such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat.It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is usedfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting.

In describing the disclosure, the following terminology will be used inaccordance with the definitions set out below.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod steps. As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammaticalequivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or material not specifiedin the claim. As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” andgrammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to thespecified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect thebasic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimeddisclosure.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of aUTV 100 according to the teachings and principles of the disclosure.FIG. 1 illustrates a top view. FIG. 2 illustrates a right/side view.FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view. FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view. FIG. 5illustrates a front view. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective top view andFIG. 7 illustrates a perspective bottom view. FIGS. 1-7 illustratedifferent views of similar, but not necessarily identical, embodiments.

The UTV 100 includes a front end 102, a back end 104, and a plurality ofwheels 106. A front gearbox assembly 108 houses motors and gears fordriving the front wheels 106 and a rear gearbox assembly 110 housesmotors and gears for driving the rear wheels 106. Roof panels 112 mayinclude a solar array or solar panel for generating electricity fromsolar light and energy for powering or recharging electrical componentsof the UTV 100. Front suspension 114 and rear suspension 116 providesuspension and dampening for the vehicle. The front and rear suspension114, 116 may be much larger than may otherwise be possible due to thecompact front and rear gearbox assemblies 108, 110.

A frame 120 may attach and secure other portions of the UTV 100 withrespect to each other. A plurality of chairs within a cabin or occupancyarea may accommodate a driver and one or more passengers in one or moreseats 118 below the roof panels 112 and above a cabin floor 124. A skidplate 122 on an underside of the vehicle 100 and below the cabin mayprotect a battery assembly or other components underneath the cabin. Inone embodiment, a battery assembly (not shown) is positioned between thecabin floor 124 and the skid plate 122.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a battery assembly 802 attachedwithin a portion of a frame 120. The battery assembly 802 is pancakestyle having a large length and width, but narrow height. Only a portionof the frame 120 is shown for simplicity in illustration. The batteryassembly 802 may serve as a cabin floor 124 or may be located underneatha cabin floor 124. For example, a layer of metal, rubber, carpet, orother material may overlay the battery assembly 802 within the cabin toform the cabin floor 124. The battery assembly 802 is attached to theframe 120 using support brackets 804. The support brackets 804 supportthe battery assembly 802 with respect to the frame 120 or frame rails.In one embodiment, the support brackets 804 support the battery assembly802 between rails of the frame 120 so that the battery assembly 802 islocated substantially horizontally or latterly neighboring the frame orframe rails.

A rubber isolator 806 is positioned between the support brackets 804 andthe battery assembly 802 to reduce the transfer of vibrations betweenthe frame 120 and the battery assembly 802. Other embodiments mayinclude a layer of rubber, or another vibration absorbing material ormechanism, positioned between the battery assembly and the frame toreduce an amount of vibrations present in the frame from beingtransferred to the battery assembly 802.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a frame rail 908 and aportion of the battery assembly 802. The battery assembly 802 includes abattery box 902 and a battery box lid 904 that form a battery arraycompartment 906 where a battery array (not shown) may be placed. Thebattery box 902 and battery box lid 904 are secured to a frame rail 908using an upper support battery clamp bracket 910, a lower batterysupport clamp plate 912, and corresponding upper and lower mountingbolts 914, 916. The upper and lower mounting bolts 914, 916 includethreads matching threaded holes in a spacer 918 welded within the framerail 908. As will be understood by one of skill in the art in light ofthe disclosure, a plurality of frame rails, bolts, and brackets may beused to secure the battery assembly 802 to a frame at various locations.

Isolators, which may include pieces or sheets of rubber, may bepositioned between the upper support battery clamp bracket 910 a lowerbattery support clamp plate 912 and the battery assembly 802 (e.g., thebattery box 902 and the battery box lid 904) to dampen vibrations. Anupper isolator 920 is shown clamped between the battery box lid 904 andthe upper support battery clamp bracket 910. A lower isolator 922 isshown clamped between the battery box 902 and the lower battery supportclamp plate 912. Additional isolators may be positioned horizontallybetween the battery box 902 and the frame rail 908.

A skid plate 924 (see e.g., skid plate 122 of FIGS. 3 and 7) is alsosecured to the frame. The skid plate 924 is positioned beneath thebattery box 902 to protect the battery assembly 802 from impacts frombelow a UTV 100. For example, rocks, or the ground surface may impact anunderside of a UTV 100, risking damage to the battery box 902, internalbattery cells, or other parts of the battery assembly 802. With the skidplate 924 secured below the battery assembly 802 damage to the batteryassembly 802 may be avoided or reduced. In one embodiment, the skidplate 924 is secured with a gap 926 between the skid plate 924 and thebattery box 902. The gap 926 may further limit damage that may occur ifimpact with an object occurs because the skid plate 924 may flex,stretch, or absorb the damage before any impact with the battery box 902occurs.

Thus, the battery box 902 is clamped from top and bottom with anisolator on both sides. This will separate the frame torsion modes fromthe battery assembly 802. This approach will ensure that a battery packis well secured and isolated. The skid plate 924 could be replaced ifrequired. With the skid plate 924 in place the battery is not theprimary strike point for off road events. In one embodiment, isolationand protection of the battery assembly 802 is important for durabilityand longevity of the battery cells or battery array of the batteryassembly 802. For example, reducing vibration or impact may reduce thechance that a battery cell is damaged or that electrical connectionswithin the battery assembly 802 are broken.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a battery array unit 1002,according to one embodiment. One or more battery array units 1002 may bepositioned and/or interconnected within a battery array compartment (seee.g., the battery array compartment 906 of FIG. 9). The battery arrayunit 1002 includes a separator 1004 for holding a plurality of batterycells 1006. The battery cells 1006 may include cylindrical batterycells. The battery cells 1006 may include 1.5 volt or other batterycells. The battery array unit 1002 also includes one or more bus barsheets 1008 for electrically connecting to the battery cells 1006.

FIG. 11 illustrates a close up view of a portion of a bus bar sheet 1008and battery cells 1006. The bus bar sheet 1008 includes a sheet ofmetal, such as copper, with cut out portions 1102 that correspond toelectrodes or terminals of the battery cells 1006. The bus bar sheet1008 may be created by stamping out sections of the sheet surroundingcut-out portions 1102. The cut-out portions 1102 remain electricallyattached to the bus bar sheet 1108, but are sufficiently thermallyisolated so that they can be welded or soldered to terminals orelectrodes of the battery cells 1006. The plurality of cut-out portions1008 is arranged in a two dimensional manner to allow a single bus barsheet 1008 to contact and/or be welded to a plurality of battery cells1006.

In addition to providing electrical contact and connection to thebattery cells 1006, the bus bar sheet 1008 also provides structuralsupport to hold the battery cells 1006 in place even in the presence ofvibrations or jostling of a battery assembly. For example, eachwelded/soldered cut out portion is supported by the bus bar sheet 1008and thus provides lateral (from the perspective of FIG. 11) support tolimit movement of the battery cells 1006. The bus bar sheet 1008 alsoprovides uniform and efficient cooling of the battery cells 1006.

The bus bar sheet 1008 also provides high quality electrical contacts tothe battery cells 1006 with minimal wiring or interconnects. Forexample, a single bus bar sheet 1008 may be used to connect to a largenumber of battery cells 1006. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a singlebus bar sheet 1008 connected to 70 battery cells 1006. Some embodimentsmay include bus bar sheets 1008 that connect to a hundred, multiplehundreds, or more battery cells. Bus bar sheets 1008 may also bepositioned on both sides of the battery cells 1006 to connect aplurality of positive or negative terminals on each side. Due to thelarge number of electrical connections that can be formed, a reductionin wiring and associated labor and time may be achieved. Additionally,the bus bar sheets 1008 perform well at drawing heat from the batteriesto cool.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a battery assembly 802 with a batterybox lid 904 removed. A plurality of battery array units 1002 (see e.g.,FIG. 9) are positioned within the battery box 902. Cooling plates 1202are positioned above and below the battery array units 1002. Becauseheat generation in battery cells occurs nearer to the flat ends(terminal locations) of the batteries than along the rounded sides,Applicant has found that it is more effective to cool battery arraysusing cooling plates 1202 positioned at the ends of the batteries andperpendicular to an axis of the batteries. In FIG. 12, for example,battery cells are positioned vertically such their access is orientedvertically, but the cooling plates 1202 are positioned horizontally, orperpendicularly to the axis of the battery cells. Thus, the coolingplates 1202 are able to effectively draw heat from the ends of thebattery cells to efficiently cool the battery array. In one embodiment,the cooling plates 1202 are made of conductive metal positioned at endsnear the terminals. As such, a thermally conductive electric insulator(such as Gap Pad® available from Henkel®) may be used between thecooling plates 1202 and an underlying bus bar sheet 1008 to allow heattransfer, but prevent the flow of electricity from the battery cells tothe cooling plates 1202.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the batteryassembly 802, according to one embodiment. Starting from the top, thebattery assembly includes a box lid 904, an upper cooling plate 1202 a,an upper layer of thermal filler material 1302 a (such as a gel or sheetof thermally conductive, but electrically non-conducting material), anupper bus bar sheet 1008 a welded to the battery cells 1006, batterycells 1006, a lower bus bar sheet 1008 b welded to the battery cells1006 a lower layer of thermal filler material 1302 b, a lower coolingplate 1202 b, and the battery box 902. The upper and lower coolingplates 1202 a, 1202 b include cooling tubes 1304 or cavities throughwhich a liquid or gas such as a water glycol mixture or a refrigerantmay be pumped to maintain the cells within a desired temperature range.The improved cooling provided by the bus bar sheets 1008, cooling plates1202, and the illustrated orientation can improve the life andperformance of the battery cells 1006.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate components of a motor gearbox assembly 1400,according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a motorgearbox assembly 1400. The motor gearbox assembly 1400 may include afirst motor 1402, a second motor 1404, a first motor gearbox 1406 withfirst output 1408, and a second motor gearbox 1410 with second output(not visible) all housed within a common housing. First and secondmotors 1402, 1404, and first and second motor gearboxes 1406, 1410 arerigidly coupled to form a single rigid motor gearbox assembly 1400. Thecombination of these components into a common housing or deviceincreases simplicity and compactness. Furthermore, a cooling systemincluding cooling tubes 1412 is shared by the whole motor gearboxassembly 1400. A common cooling system further reduces complexity andincreases efficiency.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the motor gearbox assembly 1400 withthe first motor 1402 removed. A motor input 1414 for the first motor1402 is shown with speed reducing gears 1416 to provide torque to thefirst output 1408. Each motor and associated gears provide independentpower to each wheel, even though they are combined into one housing. Arotation sensor 1418 is used to determine rotation speed at the firstoutput 1408. A parking lock mechanism 1420 may lock the gearbox to limitrotation of the first output 1408. The high torque output of theelectric motor gearbox allows larger stock wheels to be used thanconventional UTVs. In an embodiment, 32 inch stock wheels may be used onthe UTV because of the high torque output of the electric motor gearbox.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram illustrating example components ofa UTV 1600. The UTV 1600 includes a battery assembly 1602, a frontgearbox assembly 1604, a rear gearbox assembly 1606, accessories 1608,an accessory battery 1610, a solar array 1612, and a control unit 1614.The components 1602-1614 are given by way of example only and may notall be included in all embodiments.

The battery assembly 1602 includes a battery array for storing/providingelectricity for driving one or more motors of a vehicle. For example,the battery assembly 1602 may include the battery assembly 802 or otherbattery features or components disclosed and described in relation toFIGS. 1-13.

The front gearbox assembly 1604 includes one or more motors and gearsfor driving one or more front wheels. The rear gearbox assembly 1606includes one or more motors and gears for driving one or more rearwheels. In one embodiment, the front gearbox assembly 1604 and/or therear gearbox assembly 1606 includes a gearbox as disclosed and describedin relation to FIGS. 1-7 and 14-15. For example, the front gearboxassembly 1604 and/or the rear gearbox assembly 1606 may each include twomotors with independent outputs to control respective front or rearmotors to provide the ability for four wheel drive.

The accessories 1608 may include electronic devices or systems to assistduring the driving, operation, or use of the UTV 1600. For example, theaccessories 1608 may include an instrument panel, a winch, an externallight, a cabin light, an accessory power outlet, a display screen, acamera, a radio transceiver for wireless voice or data communication, orthe like.

The accessory battery 1610 may include a 12 volt battery, such as a leadacid or other battery, for powering the accessories 1608. The accessorybattery 1610 may provide electrical power to accessories to limit usageof power from the battery cells of the battery assembly 1602. Forexample, the battery assembly 1602 may be used for the motors or drivetrain while the accessory battery 1610 is used for accessories 1608.

The solar array 1612 includes one or more solar panels for generatingelectricity to power the accessories 1608, recharging the accessorybattery 1610, and/or recharging the cells of the battery assembly 1602.The solar array 1612 may include solar panels mounted on a roof of theUTV 1600, such as above a cabin area of the UTV 1600. The solar arraymay include two 300 watt solar panels on the roof to power theaccessories or recharge a battery.

The control unit 1614 is configured to control operation of the UTV1600. In one embodiment, the control unit 1614 controls a drive trainand motors to drive the vehicle. The control unit 1614 may include adrive by wire system that receives input from an accelerator pedal, abrake pedal, a steering wheel, drive train sensors (such as currentwheel/motor speeds, etc.), or the like. Based on the input, the controlunit 1614 can control movement or driving of the vehicle to match theuser's input and/or current conditions of the UTV 1600. In oneembodiment, the control unit 1614 provides independent and dynamiccontrol of each motor/wheel to provide “torque vectoring” to improveturning, tire wear, or the like.

The control unit 1614 may also provide power management for the batteryassembly 1602 and/or the accessory battery 1610. For example, thecontrol unit 1614 may turn off or disable different features based on apower level of the battery assembly 1602. If the charge level is low,the control unit 1614 may disable certain accessories, or modify drivingcharacteristics to most efficiently use remaining battery power.

In one embodiment, the control unit 1614 may receive over-the airupdates via a radio transceiver. The control unit 1614 may also enforcedriving profiles based on a key, RFID tag, or the like, of the currentdriver.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram depicting an example computing device 1700.In some embodiments, computing device 1700 is used to implement one ormore of the systems and components discussed herein, such as the controlunit 1614 of FIG. 16. Further, computing device 1700 may interact withany of the systems and components described herein. Accordingly,computing device 1700 may be used to perform various procedures andtasks, such as those discussed herein. Computing device 1700 canfunction as a server, a client or any other computing entity. Computingdevice 1700 can be any of a wide variety of computing devices, such as adesktop computer, a notebook computer, a server computer, a handheldcomputer, a tablet, and the like.

Computing device 1700 includes one or more processor(s) 1702, one ormore memory device(s) 1704, one or more interface(s) 1706, one or moremass storage device(s) 1708, and one or more Input/Output (I/O)device(s) 1710, all of which are coupled to a bus 1712. Processor(s)1702 include one or more processors or controllers that executeinstructions stored in memory device(s) 1704 and/or mass storagedevice(s) 1708. Processor(s) 1702 may also include various types ofcomputer-readable media, such as cache memory.

Memory device(s) 1704 include various computer-readable media, such asvolatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatilememory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)). Memory device(s) 1704 may alsoinclude rewritable ROM, such as Flash memory.

Mass storage device(s) 1708 include various computer readable media,such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid statememory (e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. Various drives may also beincluded in mass storage device(s) 1708 to enable reading from and/orwriting to the various computer readable media. Mass storage device(s)1708 include removable media and/or non-removable media.

I/O device(s) 1710 include various devices that allow data and/or otherinformation to be input to or retrieved from computing device 1700.Example I/O device(s) 1710 include cursor control devices, keyboards,keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers,printers, network interface cards, modems, lenses, CCDs or other imagecapture devices, and the like.

Interface(s) 1706 include various interfaces that allow computing device1700 to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments.Example interface(s) 1706 include any number of different networkinterfaces, such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), wide areanetworks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet.

Bus 1712 allows processor(s) 1702, memory device(s) 1704, interface(s)1706, mass storage device(s) 1708, and I/O device(s) 1710 to communicatewith one another, as well as other devices or components coupled to bus1712. Bus 1712 represents one or more of several types of busstructures, such as a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE 1394 bus, USB bus, andso forth.

For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable programcomponents are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it isunderstood that such programs and components may reside at various timesin different storage components of computing device 1700, and areexecuted by processor(s) 1702. Alternatively, the systems and proceduresdescribed herein can be implemented in hardware, or a combination ofhardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed tocarry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Asused herein, the terms “module” or “component” are intended convey theimplementation apparatus for accomplishing a process, such as byhardware, or a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware, forthe purposes of performing all or parts of query operations.

Specifications of One Embodiment

In one embodiment, the UTV is 100% electrically powered. The UTVincludes four passenger side by side seats. The UTV includes a 50kilo-watt hour (kWhr) battery with electric motors to provide over 620HP, 480 ft. lbs. of torque, 20 inches of suspension travel on all 4wheels, and 100 to 150 miles of range per charge. The components are airtight with the ability to be submerged. The UTV includes a single 155Horsepower electric motor for each wheel (4×4) and produces 0-60acceleration times around three seconds. Most of the UTV's componentssit at or below the frame rail, thereby lowering the center of gravityand improving anti-roll over capabilities exceed that of most otherUTV's. Low center of gravity was accomplished by removing the gasolineengine, clutch and emission equipment. Benefits of removing the gasolinedrive train include: increased suspension travel, better handling,reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, quieter ride and no belts orclutches to fail.

The UTV's electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 400-volt, 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack (over 4,000 lithium cells). The fourindependent electric motors absorb the braking energy and deliver itback to the batteries, cutting the braking distance (in half by someestimates) while increasing range and safety. The UTV can be chargedwith either an 110V outlet, J1772 standard electric vehicle fastcharger, or a custom 400V custom generator for rapid charging. The UTVincludes two 300 watt solar panels on the roof to keep a 360-amp hour12-volt lithium accessory battery bank topped off, reducing the need topull energy from the larger 400-volt pack to run the 12-volt components.The large 12-volt bank supplies power to the front and rear LED lightbars, flood lights, ambient lights, dual 3,500 lb winches, touch screendisplays, and 110-volt and 12-volt outlets.

The UTV includes a drive-by-wire rear steering system that allows up to10 degrees of rear steer at low speeds, up to 5 degrees of steer under20 MPH and locks into straight position over 20 MPH. Rear steeringprovides up to a 50% improvement over previous UTV turning radiuses.With the touch of a button, or screen, a user can disable rear steer orswitch to 2-wheel drive on the fly at any speed.

The UTV includes 4G LTE connectivity. This allows owners to not onlycontrol who drives the UTV, but also how the UTV is driven. With an app,a user inputs each person's profile into the system and createsparameters to control speed and travel distance; especially beneficialfor younger and newer riders. The app will also send alerts when the UTVneeds service or an over-the-air software update.

Because there is an electric motor at each wheel, the UTV's control unitprovides dynamic control of each wheel. This is called “torquevectoring” and it is accomplished by controlling the speed and torque ofeach of the four wheels independent of each other at any given moment.This torque vectoring hardware and software system allows for fastercornering, quicker stops, improved traction and tire wear and longercomponent life over any other UTV. Torque vectoring technology is notavailable with a conventional drive train powered by a gasoline engine.

The UTV includes two 7″ displays that show a variety of information,including: user profile, battery levels and remaining travel distance,tire pressure, terrain profiles and much more. The UTV includes on boardair compressor and tire inflation system that allows the driver toquickly choose a terrain setting—sand, road, rock crawl, dirt orautomatic—and a controller will instruct the compressor to automaticallyadjust the tire pressure to the terrain. With bead lock rims, a user canrest assured the tire will not come off the rim even at the lowestterrain settings.

Examples

Example 1 is a UTV that includes a frame having frame rails and abattery assembly positioned laterally between the frame rails. Thebattery assembly includes a battery housing and a battery array having aplurality of battery cells. The battery array is positioned within thebattery housing and the battery assembly provides support for or islocated under a floor of a cabin of the utility task vehicle.

In Example 2, the frame rails in Example 1 include a first frame railpositioned proximal a first side of the floor of the cabin and a secondframe rail positioned proximal a second side of the floor of the cabin.The battery housing includes a battery box and a battery lid that extendfrom approximately the first frame rail to the second frame rail. Thebattery box is sized to leave room for an air gap or vibration isolatormaterial positioned between the battery box and the first frame rail andthe second frame rail.

In Example 3, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-2 further includes one ormore battery support brackets extending between the frame rails and thebattery assembly, wherein the one or more battery support bracketssupport the battery assembly with respect to the frame rails.

In Example 4, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-3 further includes anisolator positioned between the battery assembly and the frame to reducetransfer of vibrations between the frame and the battery assembly.

In Example 5, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-4 further includes one ormore securing members configured to secure the battery assembly. The oneor more securing members may be released to allow the battery assemblyto be removed from the UTV in a downward direction.

In Example 6, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-5 further includes a skidplate positioned below the battery assembly to protect the batteryassembly from impact or abrasion.

In Example 7, the skid plate as in Example 6 is positioned with a gapbetween the battery assembly and the skid plate.

In Example 8, the gap as in Example 7 includes one or more of an air gapand a layer of rubber to absorb impact or vibrations.

In Example 9, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-8 further includes anaccessory battery for powering one or more accessories, wherein thebattery assembly is used for powering one or motors for driving wheelsof the UTV and the accessory assembly is used for powering the one ormore accessories comprising one or more of: an instrument panel, awinch, an external light, a cabin light, an accessory power outlet, adisplay screen, or a camera.

In Example 10, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-9 further includes one ormore solar panels. The solar panels may be used to recharge theaccessory battery or provide power to the one or more accessories.

In Example 11, the battery cells as in any of Examples 1-10 include oneor more contacts for electrical output at a first surface, wherein thebattery assembly further comprises a cooling plate substantiallyparallel to the first surface.

In Example 12, the battery cells as in any of Examples 1-11 includescylindrical cells. The battery assembly further includes one or morecooling plates located at an end of one or more of the cylindricalcells, wherein the one or more cooling plates are perpendicular to anaxis of the cylindrical cells.

In Example 13, the battery assembly as in any of Examples 1-12 furtherincludes a bus bar electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells,wherein the bus bar is a conductive sheet with a plurality of cut-outportions each corresponding to an electrode of a battery cell.

In Example 14, a specific cut-out portion as in Example 13 is welded toan electrode of a corresponding battery cell.

In Example 15, the plurality of cut-out portions as in any of Examples13-14 includes a grid of cut-out portions on the bus bar extending in afirst direction and in a second direction substantially orthogonal tothe first direction.

In Example 16, the UTV as in any of Examples 1-15 further includes ahousing, a first motor, a second motor, a first gearbox configured toreceive input from the first motor and provide output to a first outputcorresponding to a first wheel, and a second gearbox configured toreceive input from the second motor and provide output to a secondoutput corresponding to a second wheel. The first motor, second motor,first gearbox, and second gearbox are housed within the housing.

Example 17 is a UTV that includes a motor gearbox assembly. The motorgearbox assembly includes: a housing; a first motor; a second motor; afirst gearbox configured to receive input from the first motor andprovide output to a first output corresponding to a first wheel; and asecond gearbox configured to receive input from the second motor andprovide output to a second output corresponding to a second wheel. Thefirst motor, second motor, first gearbox, and second gearbox are housedwithin the housing.

In Example 18, the UTV of Example 17 further includes a cooling systemconfigured to cool the first motor, second motor, first gearbox, andsecond gearbox on a common loop.

In Example 19, the UTV as in any of Examples 17-18 further includes acontroller configured to control rotation of the first motor and thesecond motor.

In Example 20, the first motor and first output as in any of Examples1-19 are independently controlled from the second motor and the secondoutput.

In Example 21, the motor gearbox assembly as in any of Examples 17-19includes a first motor gearbox assembly and the housing comprises afirst housing. The UTV further comprises a second motor gearboxassembly, wherein the second motor gearbox assembly comprises a secondhousing, a third motor, a fourth motor, a third gearbox, and a fourthgearbox.

In Example 22, the UTV as in any of Examples 17-21 further includes anaccessory battery for powering one or more accessories and a drivebattery. The drive battery is used for powering one or motors fordriving wheels of the UTV and the accessory assembly is used forpowering the one or more accessories including one or more of: aninstrument panel, a winch, an external light, a cabin light, anaccessory power outlet, a display screen, or a camera.

In Example 23, the UTV as in any of Examples 17-22 further includes oneor more solar panels configured to recharge the accessory battery orprovide power to the one or more accessories.

Example 24 is a battery assembly. The battery assembly includes abattery housing comprising a battery box and a battery lid forming abattery compartment. The battery assembly includes a battery arrayhaving a plurality of cylindrical battery cells positioned within thebattery compartment. The battery assembly includes a bus barelectrically connecting a plurality of the battery cells. The bus barincludes a conductive sheet with a plurality of cut-out portions eachcorresponding to an electrode of a battery cell. The battery assemblyincludes one or more cooling plates located at an end of one or more ofthe cylindrical cells, wherein the one or more cooling plates areperpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical cells.

In Example 25, each of the battery cells as in Example 24 includes oneor more contacts for electrical output at a first surface, wherein thecooling plate is substantially parallel to the first surface.

In Example 26, a specific cut-out portion as in any of Examples 24-25 iswelded to an electrode of a corresponding battery cell.

In Example 27, the battery assembly as in any of Examples 24-26 furtherincludes a coolant pump and a fluid coolant comprising one or more ofwater and a refrigerant. The coolant pump pumps the fluid coolantthrough the cooling plates to maintain a temperature of the batteryassembly within a defined temperature range.

Example 28 is an apparatus including means to realize a system orapparatus as in of any of Examples 1-27.

Implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed hereinmay comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computerincluding computer hardware, such as, for example, one or moreprocessors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementationswithin the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical andother computer-readable media for carrying or storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions arecomputer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carrycomputer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way ofexample, and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure cancomprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readablemedia: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM,solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory,phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to store desired program code means inthe form of computer-executable instructions or data structures andwhich can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed hereinmay communicate over a computer network. A “network” is defined as oneor more data links that enable the transport of electronic data betweencomputer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views theconnection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include anetwork and/or data links, which can be used to carry desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be includedwithin the scope of computer-readable media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. The computerexecutable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediateformat instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may bepracticed in network computing environments with many types of computersystem configurations, including, an in-dash vehicle computer, personalcomputers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors,hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches,various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performedin one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, oranalog components. For example, one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out one or moreof the systems and procedures described herein. Certain terms are usedthroughout the description and claims to refer to particular systemcomponents. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, components may bereferred to by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components that differ in name, but not function.

It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed above maycomprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, asensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one ormore processors, and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitrycontrolled by the computer code. These example devices are providedherein purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting.Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in furthertypes of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevantart(s).

At least some embodiments of the disclosure have been directed tocomputer program products comprising such logic (e.g., in the form ofsoftware) stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, whenexecuted in one or more data processing devices, causes a device tooperate as described herein.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilledin the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for thepurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of theaforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combinationdesired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have beendescribed and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to thespecific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appendedhereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications,and their equivalents.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, itshould be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternateimplementations may be used in any combination desired to formadditional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

It should be noted that embodiments shown in the figures and describedherein are intended to be exemplary and that any variations in the sizeand the relative proportions of the individual components fall withinthe scope of this disclosure.

Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have beendescribed and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to thespecific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appendedhereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications,and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrically-powered UTV comprising: a framecomprising frame rails; a battery assembly comprising a battery housingand a plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery housing ispositioned between the frame rails; a motor gearbox housing; a firstmotor; a second motor; a first gearbox configured to receive input fromthe first motor and provide output to a first output corresponding to afirst wheel; and a second gearbox configured to receive input from thesecond motor and provide output to a second output corresponding to asecond wheel, wherein the first motor, second motor, first gearbox, andsecond gearbox are housed within the motor gearbox housing.
 2. The UTVof claim 1, wherein the first motor and the second motor are electricmotors.
 3. The UTV of claim 1, further comprising a cooling systemconfigured to cool the first motor, second motor, first gearbox, andsecond gearbox on a common loop.
 4. The UTV of claim 1, furthercomprising a controller configured to control rotation of the firstmotor and the second motor.
 5. The UTV of claim 1, wherein the firstmotor and the first output are independently controlled from the secondmotor and the second output.
 6. The UTV of claim 1, further comprisingan accessory battery for powering one or more accessories and a drivebattery, wherein the drive battery is used for powering one or motorsfor driving wheels of the UTV and the accessory assembly is used forpowering the one or more accessories comprising one or more of: aninstrument panel, a winch, an external light, a cabin light, anaccessory power outlet, a display screen, or a camera.
 7. The UTV ofclaim 6, further comprising one or more solar panels.
 8. The UTV ofclaim 7, wherein the one or more solar panels is configured to rechargethe accessory battery.
 9. The UTV of claim 7, wherein the one or moresolar panels is configured to provide power to the one or moreaccessories.
 10. An electrically-powered UTV comprising: a first gearboxassembly comprising a first motor gearbox housing, a first electricmotor, a second electric motor, a first gearbox configured to receiveinput from the first electric motor and provide output to a first outputcorresponding to a first wheel, and a second gearbox configured toreceive input from the second electric motor and provide output to asecond output corresponding to a second wheel, wherein the firstelectric motor, second electric motor, first gearbox, and second gearboxare housed within the first motor gearbox housing; a second gearboxassembly comprising a second motor gearbox housing, a third electricmotor, a fourth electric motor, a third gearbox configured to receiveinput from the third electric motor and provide output to a third outputcorresponding to a third wheel, and a fourth gearbox configured toreceive input from the fourth electric motor and provide output to afourth output corresponding to a fourth wheel, wherein the thirdelectric motor, fourth electric motor, third gearbox, and fourth gearboxare housed within the second motor gearbox housing, and a batteryassembly electrically coupled to and configured to provide power to eachof the first electric motor, second electric motor, third electricmotor, and fourth electric motor.
 11. The UTV of claim 10, furthercomprising a first cooling system configured to cool the first electricmotor, second electric motor, first gearbox, and second gearbox on acommon first loop.
 12. The UTV of claim 10, further comprising acontroller configured to control rotation of the first electric motorand the second electric motor.
 13. The UTV of claim 12, wherein thecontroller is configured to control rotation of the third electric motorand the fourth electric motor.
 14. The UTV of claim 10, wherein thefirst electric motor and the first output are independently controlledfrom second electric motor and the second output.
 15. The UTV of claim10, further comprising an accessory battery for powering one or moreaccessories and a drive battery, wherein the drive battery is used forpowering one or motors for driving wheels of the UTV and the accessoryassembly is used for powering the one or more accessories comprising oneor more of: an instrument panel, a winch, an external light, a cabinlight, an accessory power outlet, a display screen, or a camera.
 16. TheUTV of claim 15, further comprising one or more solar panels.
 17. TheUTV of claim 16, wherein the one or more solar panels is configured torecharge the accessory battery and to provide power to the one or moreaccessories.
 18. The UTV of claim 10, wherein the first motor gearboxassembly is positioned proximate a front end of the UTV and configuredto power a pair of front wheels, and the second motor gearbox assemblyis positioned proximate a rear end of the UTV and configured to power apair of rear wheels.